Selection of materials plays an important role in the formation of good quality concrete.
Cement should be purchased from the authorized stores of HCIL only. Purchaser can ask for the test certificate of the cement or alternatively they can download the same from the Products menu of this website.
Water also plays an important role in homogenised mixing of the constituents of concrete such as cement, sand & aggregates and in the curing process which ultimately provides strength to the structure. Potable water must be used for construction or the water should be free from harmful chemical and suspended matters like mud, oils and various types of soils.
In India, we are almost dependent on natural sources for obtaining the various type of aggregate. Selection of sand quality plays a very vital role in the quality of the concrete at site. Sand should always be free from silt (fine mud and soil).
Aggregates should also be free from mud and other contaminants that can cause loss in strength of the structure. Angular sized aggregates are perfect for the making of homogeneous concrete. Correct size and shape of aggregate is important in the formation of good concrete.
One can also use various types of admixture according to the need of concrete after consulting with our expert. Please refer to IS 383: 1970 for the specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural source for concrete.
Ratio of concrete materials (cement, water and aggregate) determines the quality of concrete needed for the construction. Please take our expert’s advice before sectioning the type of concrete required for your construction. Hand mix and mixer mixing is the preferred method for formation of concrete by volume in our country. Generally nominal mix like, 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3, 1:1:2 and 1:2:4 are used by volume mixing. As per IS 456:2003, concrete below M20 should not be used for the reinforcement purposes. To ensure right proportions for ingredients we recommend use of measuring boxes materials and measurable containers for water. Please refer to “House Construction Calculator” in this menu for correct measures.
A minimum of 2 minutes of mixing is a must after addition of the last batch of materials in the mixer to get a homogeneous and consistent quality concrete.
The required strength & workability for concrete must be according to the need of structure. Water cement ratio plays a very vital role in it.
We advise preparation of concrete in batch sizes that can be used within 30 minutes after addition of water.
Placing of concrete is plays a crucial role in keeping the concrete in homogeneous form in various structures. Different structures required different precaution in laying the concrete.
Concrete should not be dropped from a height as this leads to segregation and bleeding of water. If required to pour from height than use chute mode for the placement.
Needle vibrators must be used during the placing of concrete so that the required compaction is achieved. This help in making concrete more dense and releases air from it.
Levelling of the concrete should be done carefully so that water flows out by gravity thus avoiding accumulation of water on the floor.
Placed and levelled concrete should be covered immediately with plastic sheets to avoid shrinkage cracks.
Curing of the laid concrete must be done for 14 days after lying. Expert suggestion must be taken for the starting of initial curing as per various weather conditions.
Our concrete experts you required some suggestion or having a question in mind.
For details about Construction Good Practices, refer to: Good Construction Practice.
